Explain why atomic radius decreases across a period

As you go along a period, there is an increasing number of protons in the nucleus of each atom meaning that the nucleus has an increasing positive charge.This means that the electrons are puller closer to the nucleus, decreasing the atomic radius.The electrons added across a period are added to the outer energy level so do not provide any shielding effect which would otherwise increase the atomic radius.

TD
Answered by Tutor406540 D. Chemistry tutor

34742 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do anti-bumping granules work?


Explain the purpouse of reflux in the oxidation of ethanol to ethanoic acid


How do I write the full equation of a cell from two half cells? (basic, with matching electron counts and no water/acid)


How do you know where the bonds link to form a new molecule?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning